To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with Network Rail Scotland on the Gourock Transport Interchange. [160306]

I have regular discussions with Network Rail about various topics. However, the proposed Gourock Interchange is a matter for the Scottish Executive and Inverclyde Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the level of economic inactivity in Scotland. [160307]

The latest Labour Market statistics published show 680,000 people in Scotland aged between 16 and 64 economically inactive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on employment levels in Scotland. [160308]

Employment in Scotland is at historic high levels. The number employed has risen by 119,000 since spring 1997 and the employment rate is close to the UK average, comparing favourably with the rates of our main competitors.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to announce the chairman of his commission on boundary differences and voting systems in Scotland. [160309]

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to announce the chairman of his commission on boundary differences and voting systems in Scotland. [160315]

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to announce the chairmanship of his commission on boundary differences and voting systems in Scotland. [160313]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of earlier today to my right hon. Friend the Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes).

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive regarding the introduction of new election systems. [160310]

As I indicated during Second Reading of the Scottish Parliament (Constituencies) Bill on 9 February, in setting out the proposals for a commission to review boundary differences and voting systems, I consulted the First Minister, who welcomed taking the debate forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding fiscal measures to encourage the provision of affordable housing in Scotland. [160311]

My right hon. Friend has discussions from time to time with the Chancellor on a range of matters. The Government look forward to Kate Barker's final report on the issues affecting housing supply and proposals for addressing these constraints. This will be issued shortly and it would he unwise for me to make any comment in advance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive on the performance of the financial sector in Scotland. [160312]

I regularly meet Scottish Executive colleagues to discuss matters relating to the Scottish economy. The financial services sector in Scotland remains of crucial importance to the health of the Scottish economy. Output has continued to grow in recent years and the sector currently employs over 100,000 people in Scotland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to visit the Scottish Parliament to discuss the implications of common agricultural policy reform. [160314]

I have no plans to visit the Scottish Parliament to discuss the implications of common agricultural policy reform.

To ask the Advocate-General what devolution issues have been raised with her since 10 February. [160316]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute (Mr. Reid).

To ask the Advocate-General what European Convention on Human Rights issues she has scrutinised in the past month. [160370]

Since 10 February I received intimation of, and scrutinised, 39 devolution issues, all of which concerned Convention rights. They related to matters such as pre-trial delay, the system for setting the punishment part of life sentences, failure to communicate information required by sea fishing measures and self-incrimination. In the civil sphere, the issues of refusal of scheduled monument consent and breach of prison rules were considered. I also routinely consider Convention rights in the context of my other ministerial functions.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, he will make a statement on reform of the second chamber. [161265]

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, when proposals for completing the reform of the House of Lords will be published; and if he will make a statement. [161271]

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make a statement on the functions of the upper House. [161268]

The Government set out proposals to remove the remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords in the consultation paper issued in September. Without a consensus in Parliament on other issues, such as the wider composition of the second chamber, the Government will make progress where we can, keeping an open mind on proposals for further reform.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make a statement on the continued existence of the office of Lord Chancellor. [161267]

The Government have announced their intention to abolish the Office of Lord Chancellor, and introduced legislation to do so on 24 February. The Government believe that it is no longer tenable for a Cabinet Minister to head the judiciary. The Government see this, together with setting up a Supreme Court for the UK independent of the legislature and a new Judicial Appointments Commission, as important steps in the modernisation of our constitution and our judicial system.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs when Ministers in the Department last met the Lord Chief Justice to discuss plans to abolish the position of Lord Chancellor. [161269]

My noble Friend the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice regularly discuss judicial issues and constitutional reform.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what measures he plans to encourage witnesses and victims to come forward and give evidence in court. [161270]

Last July, the Government published a National Strategy setting out the steps we are taking to deliver improved services to victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system.At its heart is the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill, introduced last November and containing a number of measures aimed at encouraging more witnesses to come to court and give evidence.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make a statement on the proposed supreme court. [161272]

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make a statement on the establishment of a supreme court. [161266]

The Government are committed to the objective of the Constitutional Reform Bill being enacted in this Parliament.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what representations he has received on the law regarding access to bail in Northern Ireland. [159555]

I have been asked to reply.During the course of the Government's public consultation on (what were then) proposals for a Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, several responses were received which included comments on the legislative proposals in respect of bail. In its recent report, 'The Illegal Drugs Trade and Drug Culture in Northern Ireland', the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee made recommendations in respect of the granting of bail in cases of drug trafficking and in cases where representations have been made against bail being granted. The Government have also been working closely with criminal justice agencies on the law and the operation of the bail process.In recognising that bail is an important issue, the Government have brought forward a number of new measures including the creation of new offences of failing to surrender to bail, and a new power of arrest for breach of bail conditions in the aforementioned Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many magistrates courts have been closed in Wales since 1997. [160909]

MCCs are not required by statute to inform my Department of proposed courthouse closures that are not subject to an appeal. The following table shows that there have been 10 magistrates court closures in Wales since 1997, compiled from the information that is available to my Department.

Magistrates court	Date of closure
Machynlleth	31 March 2003
Lampeter	9 June 2003
Tenby	30 June 2003
Bridgenorth	31 January 2002
Abergele	31 December 2000
Corwen	31 December 1998
Bargoed	31 December 1997
Monmouth	31 December 1997
Pontlottyn	31 December 1997
Pontypool	31 December 1997

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the cost of recruitment of civil servants for the Department or its predecessors was in each financial year since 1996–97, broken down by (a) delegated or contracted out recruitment procedures and (b) recruitment procedures carried out by the Department. [158184]

Information about recruitment costs is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee when the Smoking Room was renamed Members' Smoke Room as set out on the survey card for that room. [160914]

I am happy to be able to reassure the hon. Member for Lichfield that the Members' Smoking Room has not been renamed. Reference to the "Members' Smoke Room" was an error and the customer feedback cards bearing, this title have been withdrawn. I thank the hon. Member for pointing out this mistake.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners when he will reply to the question tabled for oral answer by the hon. Member for Vale of York, reference 158945. [161394]

My answer was submitted on 8 March.In that answer, I said that in 1996 the total stipend cost for parochial clergy (not including Employer's National Insurance contributions) was approximately £130.5 million. In 2003 the figure was approximately £151.8 million.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what plans the Commissioners have for the future of St. Giles's Church, Imber. [161304]

The Commissioners had a helpful meeting on 19 January about the future of this church with Ministers from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Ministry of Defence. In particular the possibility of an endowment to facilitate the vesting of the church in the Churches Conservation Trust was discussed. There will be further discussions between the Ministers and the Commissioners are waiting to hear the outcome.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs where information is held about the number of charges brought against abattoirs for breaches of meat hygiene and animal welfare regulations which are withdrawn before they come to court. [160416]

[holding answer 11 March 2004]: Information about the number of charges brought against abattoirs that, are withdrawn before they come to court is recorded on individual case files.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will undertake a welfare study on deer at the Baronsdown deer sanctuary. [160172]

The Department is not intending to undertake a survey on the welfare of wild deer at Baronsdown deer sanctuary

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether any deer carcases from the Baronsdown deer sanctuary, suspected of being infected with bovine tuberculosis, will be disposed of at an appropriate plant under the EU Animal By-Products Regulation. [160173]

The Animal By-Products Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 requires, among other things, that wild animals suspected of being infected with diseases communicable to animals and humans, such as bovine TB, are disposed of using one of the following methods:

Incineration;

Rendering in an approved plant followed by incineration; or

Pressure rendering in an approved plant followed by landfill.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make it her policy to use the proposed Animal Welfare Bill to ban the sale and use of electronic shock collars. [160908]

We do not expect the proposed Animal Welfare Bill to set out detail on what equipment may or may not be used on animals. But we anticipate that the Bill will provide powers for the Secretary of State to make regulations or issue codes of practice on such points, in order to improve animal welfare. Whether these powers will be used in respect of electronic dog collars has yet to be decided.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the annual level of carbon emissions resulting from electrical appliances being left in standby mode. [156342]

The estimate of the Government's Market Transformation Programme is that consumer electronics, home computing equipment, domestic cooking equipment and office equipment left in stand-by mode accounted for approximately 600,000 tonnes of carbon (6.4TWh) in the UK in 2002.There is further energy consumption, for which we do not have firm estimates at present, from washing machines, dishwashers and other white goods which have a stand-by mode; from consumer electronic equipment using an external power supply that continues to consume energy when plugged in but not in use; and from domestic personal computer equipment where the stand-by facilities are not properly enabled. Taken together, these sources of consumption may bring the overall figure to around one million tonnes of carbon.In order to try to tackle this problem the Market Transformation Programme (www.mtprog.com) has been encouraging manufacturers to reduce both the "on" and the stand-by power consumption of household appliances through the adoption of design improvements, voluntary codes of conduct, and best practice guidelines and targets. This approach has been fairly successful in respect of televisions: an EU-wide voluntary agreement will mean that the majority of new televisions sold in the UK will soon consume around 1 watt of power in stand-by mode rather than the 3–8 watts consumed by older models. We expect this agreement to be extended to cover DVD players shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action her Department is taking to prevent the accidental deaths of (a) dolphins and (b) porpoises in UK fishing activities. [160237]

The Government have funded a number of research projects to identify fisheries in which accidental deaths of dolphin and porpoise bycatch occurs and to develop and trial measures to reduce this bycatch. This work has identified in particular a dolphin bycatch problem in the offshore pair trawl fishery for bass. Trials of an escape grid mechanism to reduce this bycatch are currently taking place. Work has also identified that acoustic devices known as pingers are effective in reducing bycatch of harbour porpoises in fixed gear fisheries.Building on this and other research work this Department, along with Devolved Administrations, published in March 2003 the UK Small Cetacean Bycatch Response Strategy which made a number of recommendations for measures to reduce bycatch. As EU measures will be most effective in reducing bycatch in community waters, the implementation of this strategy will need to take account of the outcome of current discussions on European Commission proposals to reduce bycatch. I welcome the Commission proposals and I am looking for their early implementation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action her Department is taking to support the work of the Natural History Museum in monitoring (a) porpoise and (b) dolphin deaths. [160238]

The Department provides funding for the Natural History Museum's Cetacean (and Turtle) Strandings Scheme, which monitors and investigates porpoise and dolphin strandings around the UK. The work is carried out in partnership with the Institute of Zoology and the Scottish Agricultural College.Defra and its predecessors have supported this work since 1990 and my Department is currently providing the Natural History Museum with funding of £1,610,966.00 for the scheme (for the period 2000–01 to 2005–06). This brings our total support over the last 10 years to over £2.7 million.The work provides valuable information on causes of, and trends in, cetacean mortality around the British Isles. It involves maintaining records of stranded cetaceans and analysing tissue and bone samples to enable their physiology and reaction to various pollutants and chemicals to be assessed. The work has developed a number of methodologies which have provided significant advances in the study of cetaceans. The maintenance of a tissue bank provides a useful source of material for many other organisations and individuals undertaking research into marine mammals. Data gleaned from this research have also been used within Defra to examine the impact on marine life of agricultural pesticides run-off, and to examine the impacts of pollutants on marine mammals.Investigation of cetacean strandings under this scheme contributes towards the UK's systems of monitoring bycatch under the requirements of the EC Habitats Directive, and to our commitments to study cetacean strandings under the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS).

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action her Department is taking to implement the EU Habitats Directive in respect of preventing fishing fleets from killing (a) dolphins and (b) porpoises. [160239]

The Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) requires member states to undertake surveillance of the conservation status of cetaceans, to monitor the incidental capture and killing of cetaceans and, in the light of information gathered, to take further research or conservation measures as required to ensure incidental capture and killing does not have a significant negative impact on the species. The Department implements these requirements through support for numerous research, data collection and surveillance projects.The UK was one of several EU member states that provided funding for the collaborative Small Cetacean Abundance in the North Sea (SCANS) survey in 1994. The Department is now committing further funds (£275,000) to support another such survey (entitled SCANS II) to repeat and extend the work carried out in 1994.We have also provided funding amounting to over £2.7 million over 10 years for the Natural History Museum's long-term research into cetacean strandings in the UK. In addition, we have commissioned a number of specific research projects during the last decade monitoring bycatch levels in specific fisheries and researching potential measures to reduce bycatch. Last year the Department committed a further £1 million to more research in this area.In 2003 the Department also produced the UK Small Cetacean Bycatch Response Strategy consultation paper. One of the recommendations contained in the Strategy in respect of the Habitats Directive is for the UK to develop an expanded bycatch monitoring scheme to assess levels of bycatch in UK fisheries at a statistically valid level. We shall now consider how best to develop such a scheme to also take into account recent European Commission proposals for the reduction of cetacean bycatch, including requirements for monitoring.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on her Department's response to the Colman Report on the dairy industry. [156443]

The Dairy Supply Chain Forum, commissioned this report with funding from Defra, the Dairy Industry Association and the Milk Development Council, together with project advice from the NFU, in order to help inform decision making on the dairy aspects of CAP reform. The conclusions of the report were considered, along with a number of other factors, in our decision on the implementation of the Single Farm Payment in England.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what account she took of the impact on milk prices of moving to a dynamic hybrid system of Common Agricultural Policy reform. [156444]

The model of decoupled payment instituted in England should not impact on milk prices, if farmers treat their payments as decoupled. Decoupled payments are by their nature not linked to production and should not therefore be used to offset the cost of production. If some farmers treat their payments as coupled and use them to subsidise production, this will tend to reduce prices for all dairy farmers. We believe that the transition to an area based payment will result in a purer form of decoupling that will more completely break the link between production and subsidy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many boats qualify for compensation as a result of the loss of fishing owing to the development of the Shellhaven Port facility; [159671](2) what compensation is available in respect of the loss of the Hole Haven fishery in the Thames Estuary as a result of the development of Shellhaven Port; [159672](3) if she will make a statement on the impact of the Thames Estuary P&O Shellhaven Port development application on

Proposals for development of a new container port at London Gateway/Shellhaven are still subject to the statutory planning approvals process. Although I understand that no decisions have yet been taken, these are matters for the First Secretary of State and the Secretary of State for Transport. The developer will also require a FEPA licence from my Department but no application has yet been received.The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), an Executive Agency of Defra, provides expert scientific advice on marine and freshwater issues. It has contributed to the recent public inquiry into the Shellhaven scheme given the international importance of the Thames Estuary as an area for sole spawning and juvenile sole. CEFAS has recommended that further survey work be carried out and assessment made of whether seasonal restrictions on dredging may be necessary to mitigate any adverse impact.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the decision by a State Veterinary officer to renew Mr. Bobby Waugh's swill feeding licence 14 days before the foot and mouth disease outbreak began. [159013]

The inspection carried out at Bobby Waugh's swill feeding premises 26 days before the foot and mouth disease outbreak began was the latest in a series of routine visits that were carried out to such premises to ensure compliance with the licensing conditions. The visits that the SVS carry out were aimed at trying to ensure maintenance of acceptable standards, heightened awareness of the risks associated with this procedure and the need for these standards to be maintained, and early detection of any problems that occur.As no evidence was found at the time of the visit to indicate that the licensing conditions were not being complied with, the licence was renewed. I am satisfied that the visit was carried out to the standards required at the time and that the inspecting officer did everything that would reasonably have been expected to ensure compliance with the conditions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action she has taken as a consequence of the recommendations contained within the EU report DG (SANCO)/3367/ 2001-MR Final regarding the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the United Kingdom. [159029]

The recommendations in DG (SANCO) 3367/2001 were: to improve official controls over the disposal of waste food from catering establishments, and, to improve official controls over the disposal of waste food from prohibited sources at point of entry and the safe destruction of seized products.The report recognised that the action already taken to ban the feeding of swill to livestock that the UK introduced in May 2001, "greatly" reduced the risk of introducing and spreading FMD or CSF from waste food. Following the introduction of the ban former swill feeders and processors of waste from catering establishments were monitored. For the 12 month period after the ban visits were made to former swill feeder premises to check compliance with the new requirements. The visits took place after approximately 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 6 months and 12 months from the date of the ban. Where pigs were being kept on former swill feeding premises feed samples were taken if there was reason to consider that meat or meat products were being fed. Where non-compliance was found the local authorities have taken enforcement action.Additionally we have instigated a rolling action plan to maintain awareness of the importance of disposing of food waste safely. We consider that we have in place all the necessary controls but also, as part of our action plan, we write annually to the enforcement authorities that visit catering establishments reminding them of the provisions of the Animal By-Products legislation. We have also had assistance from the Environment Agency concerning disposal at landfill sites and inspections of these by the State Veterinary Service have been instigated. These actions will be repeated as part of our rolling plan. Other actions include providing advice to new pig keepers on restrictions on what may be fed to their pigs and the identification of new pig keepers. We are also concerned about the disposal of waste food by the general public and are considering a general awareness campaign. This is a matter of the utmost concern and we shall not cease in our actions aimed at ensuring that the risks from waste food are minimised.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the Forestry Commission as to the advisability of issuing (a) restoration agreements and (b) fines for those who unwittingly offend. [160231]

I have not had any discussions with the Forestry Commission on restoration agreements as the Forestry Commission do not issue such agreements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the results of the GM herbicide review undertaken by the Swedish herbicide authorities on behalf of the EU; and whether these results will inform her decision on the granting of herbicide approval for Liberty herbicide to be used in the management of Chardon LL fodder maize. [160580]

The EU review of glufosinate ammonium is ongoing. Officials in the Pesticides Safety Directorate received a copy of the Swedish Authorities' draft assessment report in December 2003 and a series of EU expert working groups are due to meet over the summer to discuss various aspects of the report. Any information arising from the report that might be relevant to the scientific evaluation of any application for the approval for the commercial use of Liberty on Chardon LL fodder maize will be taken into account along with the data submitted in support of the application itself. Only if Ministers are satisfied, on the basis of the expert advice of the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides, that the use proposed by the applicant is safe to people and the environment will approval be granted.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if her Department will carry out research into the spread of ligula tapeworm in fish by cormorants wintering in the UK. [160899]

The Department has no plans to carry out research into the spread of ligula tapeworm in fish.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the police with regard to Operation Artemis; when she last met the Chief Constable of North Wales to discuss Operation Artemis; and if she will make a statement on her policy on Operation Artemis. [160085]

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has had no direct discussions with the Chief Constable of North Wales concerning Operation Artemis. This Government warmly welcomes the launch of Operation Artemis by the police and other partners to combat the illegal persecution of hen harriers, which face extinction in England as a result of illegal killing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the results have been of the consultation on no crop spray buffer zones; and whether she proposes to introduce no crop spray buffer zones. [162027]

There has been a substantial response to the no-spray buffer zone consultation and all the responses are currently being assessed. A range of opinions was expressed and the practical options are currently being evaluated. Once this work has been completed Ministers will be in a position to consider the way forward and take decisions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will meet interest groups representing motorcyclists as part of the consultation on the use of mechanically propelled vehicles on rights of way. [161123]

I met representatives of motor vehicle user groups last year and I expect to meet them again in future. I have decided to wait until all responses to the consultation have been received and analysed before meeting any of the interested parties to discuss the proposals.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the greatest number of civil servants that could be moved from central London to other parts of the country; and if he will make a statement. [161953]

Sir Michael Lyons' Independent Review of Public Sector Relocation published its final report on 15 March. The report includes an assessment of the scope for relocating public sector activity from London and the South East. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the initial set-up costs of relocating 20,000 civil servants away from the South East. [161954]

Sir Michael Lyons'Independent Review of Public Sector Relocation published its final report on 15 March. The report provides an estimate of the costs and savings associated with relocating public sector activity. Copies are available in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to make an announcement about the relocation of civil servants away from London and the South East. [161955]

Sir Michael Lyons' Independent Review of Public Sector Relocation published its final report on 15 March. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many job vacancies there were in Crosby in (a) 1997 and (b) 2003. [160528]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the hon. Member for West Chelmsford will receive a reply to his letter of 21 November 2003, PO Ref: 4/17287/2003. [160369]

I have done so.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many businesses in (a) Burton constituency and (b) Staffordshire have benefited from the 100 per cent. tax exemption for the purchase of computer and internet equipment. [161839]

Information is not available to enable reliable estimates to be made.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether large-scale voluntary transfers of council housing are liable for VAT. [161511]

There is no VAT due on large-scale voluntary transfers of council housing.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 23 February 2004, Official Report, columns 112–13W, on National Insurance, what the cost to the Treasury would be in each case. [161544]

A reduction in the lower earnings limit would not increase revenue from contributions, but would increase the future cost of paying contributory benefits and the cost of contracted-out rebates. I regret that it would be possible to quantify this only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many individuals pay self-employed National Insurance contributions. [161633]

I refer my right hon. Friend to table 10.2 of the Annual Abstract, which can be found on the ONS website www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_compendia/Aa2004/AA20Q 4.pdf.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the change in payments to the National Insurance Fund that would accrue if all those paying self-employed National Insurance contributions paid at the employed rate in 2003–04. [161634]

The Government Actuary's Department estimates that if Class 4 contributions were paid at the Class 1 employee rate of 11 per cent. on profits, between the Lower Profits Limit and the Upper Profits Limit, and 1 per cent. on profits above the Upper Profits Limit, that the increase in National Insurance contribution accruals for the UK in 2003–04 would be £590 million. This estimate assumes that Class 1 contributions paid by the employer and Class 2 would not be paid.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what response he has received from the promoters of the NHS Paddington Basin project to his request for a new business plan; and if he will make a statement. [161465]

The project team is carrying out a review of the outline business case for the Paddington Health Campus scheme. When this is complete, the outcome of the review will be submitted to the Department of Health.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will provide a substantive answer to the questions tabled for written answer by the hon. Member for Perth, reference 157866 to 157868. [161665]

I have done so.

Name	Organisation	Employee job title	Date start	Expected return date
Lalitha Colaco-Henry	Financial Service Association	Financial Service Legislation	23 September 2002	22 September 2003
Clare Wilson-Thomas	Christian Action Research and Education	Public Policy Manager	28 November 2001	27 November 2004
Geoffrey Spence	Partnerships UK	PFI Adviser	14 January 2002	13 January 2004
Andy Graham	BP	Team Leader Workforce, Innovation and Reward	8 April 2002	7 April 2004
Liz Corrin	Pannell Kerr Foster	Leading Policy Analyst	22 July 2002	21 July 2004
Victoria Creed	National Audit Office	Accountancy Adviser	6 January 2003	5 January 2005
Paul Lloyd	City of London Police	Fraud Investigation Officer	6 January 2003	5 January 2004
Rowena Weir	Australian Department of Finance	Budget Officer	23 January 2003	22 January 2005
Jeremy Baines	HM Forces	Policy Analyst	6 January 2003	5 January 2006
Kate Bellamy	Womens Budget Group	Policy Analyst Gender	6 March 2003	30 November 2003
Dan Lambeth	Local Government Management Board	Emergency Control Range E	24 February 2003	30 September 2005
Shrupti Shah	Ernst &Young	Leading Policy Analyst	1 April 2003	31 August 2004
Paul Sanderson	Bank of England	Head of Financial Stability Branch	2 June 2003	1 June 2005
Ana Lasaosa	Bank of England	Leading Policy Analyst	23 June 2003	22 November 2003
Hideki Takada	Japan Finance Ministry	Policy Analyst	24 July 2003	23 July 2004
Bhashkaran Naidoo	Health Development Agency	Policy Analyst	1 September 2003	31 March 2004
Charlotte Armstrong	Deloitte Touche	General Business Tax	8 September 2003	8 September 2005
Richard Weaver	Price Waterhouse	Specialist in Accounting Matters	6 October 2003	31 December 2004
Kerrie Quirk	London School of Economics	Senior Personal Assistant	3 November 2003	2 November 2004
Susan Bickham	Partnerships UK	Personal Assistant	3 November 2003	2 November 2004
Hilary Brown	Bank of England	Graham Review of Small Firm Loan Guarantee	21 January 2004	15 October 2004

Treasury staff are routinely involved in drafting parliamentary answers as the occasion demands.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress with processing self-assessment tax returns. [161382]

The Inland Revenue have met their target to process 99 per cent. of returns received by 31 January by 31 March every year since self-assessment was introduced and fully expect to do so again this year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many self-assessment tax returns due by 31 January have been received by the Inland Revenue; how many are outstanding; and how many remain

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 9 March 2004, Official Report, column 1481W, on Scottish Transport Group Dissolution Order, what sums in addition to the £50 million reduction in the 2001–02 Scottish Departmental Expenditure limit have been received by the Treasury with respect to the Scottish Transport Group pension fund. [161428]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the then Chief Secretary to the Treasury gave to her on 11 April 2002, Official Report, column 577W, which described the tax treatment in relation to the pension fund.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the secondees from outside organisations working in his Department, stating in each case (a) the name of the person, (b) the name of the organisation, (c) the post held and (d) the start and finish dates of the secondment; and which are involved in drafting parliamentary answers. [160602]

[holding answer 11 March 2004]: Information relating to secondees is given as follows:outstanding in relation to each of the last five tax years. [161383]

Details of the results for this year will be published with the Budget documentation on 17 March.The following table gives details for the previous five years of returns still outstanding at the end of February 2004.

Tax year	Returns still outstanding at end of February 2004
1997–98	48,392
1998–99	74,313
1999–2000	120,833
2000–01	190,966
2001–02	326,703

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the change in size of electorate for each South Yorkshire parliamentary constituency was between 2001 and 2003. [161336]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

Parliamentary electors on the 2001,2002 and 2003 electoral registers: South Yorkshire
	Total Parliamentary electors as at 1 December:
	2001	2002	2003	Change 2001–03	Percentage change 2001–03
Barnsley Central	60,861	60,588	60,578	-283	-0.5
Barnsley East and Mexborough	66,389	66,821	67,042	653	1.0
Barnsley West and Penistone	66,498	66,988	66,886	388	0.6
Don Valley	67,431	67,537	67,369	-62	-0.1
Doncaster Central	65,902	65,745	65,916	14	0.0
Doncaster North	62,101	61,773	61,886	-215	-0.3
Rother Valley	70,350	69,202	67,682	-2,668	-3.8
Rotherham	58,892	56,955	54,827	-4,065	-6.9
Sheffield Central	60,169	59,979	58,708	-1,461	-2.4
Sheffield, Attercliffe	68,205	67,938	67,382	-823	-1.2
Sheffield, Brightside	53,601	52,781	51,031	-2,570	-4.8
Sheffield, Hallam	59,110	59,274	58,236	-874	-1.5
Sheffield, Heeley	61,374	60,472	59,428	-1,946	-3.2
Sheffield, Hillsborough	74,771	74,820	74,595	-176	-0.2
Wentworth	65,365	64,480	63,104	-2,261	-3.5

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many (a) suspicious transaction reports and (b) suspicious activity reports relating to financial matters have been made in each of the last five years; and what proportion of each resulted in (i) prosecution and (ii) conviction in each year. [160200]

I have been asked to reply.Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (PoCA) individuals and businesses have various obligations to make disclosures to the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) if they have grounds to believe that money laundering is taking place. These disclosure reports are usually now referred to as "Suspicious Activity Reports", but until recently were known as "Suspicious Transaction Reports".The number of disclosures made to NCIS in each of the last five years was as follows:

	Number
1999	15,115
2000	18,447
2001	29,976
2002	56,023
2003	94,708

The information provided by disclosures is used by law enforcement agencies in a range of ways to detect crime and trace the proceeds of crime. For example, such information may contribute to an ongoing

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions and representations he has had on the (a) effectiveness and (b) benefit of (i) suspicious transaction and (ii) suspicious activity reports; and what plans he has to change the reporting system. [160201]

I have been asked to reply.Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 individuals and businesses have various obligations to make disclosures to the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) if they have grounds to believe that money laundering is taking place. These disclosure reports are usually now referred to as "Suspicious Activity Reports", but until recently were known as "Suspicious Transaction Reports".The reporting system is a key element in the United Kingdom's defences against money laundering and an important source of intelligence on all types of acquisitive crime (drugs trafficking, theft, fraud, and all other types of crime committed for financial gain). It is crucial to ensure that the system is effective and that the costs it places on the private sector are proportionate. It was against this background that the Government commissioned the consultants KPMG to examine the reporting system and to make recommendations as to how it could be improved. The Home Office published KPMG's report on 8 July 2003, and set up a Taskforce to support the process of modernising and streamlining the reporting system, as recommended in the report. The Taskforce's membership is drawn from key interested parties in the public and private sectors and the Financial Services Authority.A major programme to improve the reporting system has been under way in recent months, which has led to substantial improvements in the timeliness and quality of the information NCIS provide to law enforcement agencies. We have received a number of representations from private sector institutions about ways in which the reporting system should be improved. These have been taken into consideration as part of the reform programme.The success of the reporting system relies heavily on the contribution of reporting institutions. To help build a healthy partnership and to benefit from the input of all those involved in the system we are in regular dialogue with these institutions.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many parents have claimed Child Care Credit as part of the Working Families Tax Credit in each year since 1998; and how many are entitled to claim who have not done so. [161014]

Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) was introduced in October 1999. A time series of the number of families claiming the Child Care Tax Credit as part of WFTC is shown in Table 1.3 of "Working Families Tax Credit Statistics. Quarterly Enquiry. November 2002".WFTC was replaced by working tax credit (WTC) at April 2003. The number of families benefiting from the child care element of WTC is shown in Table 4.4 of each issue of "Child and Working Tax Credits. Quarterly Statistics". The introduction of WTC has resulted in a large increase in the number of families benefiting from this help with their child care costs.Overall take-up rates for WFTC for 2000–01 and 2001–02 are shown in "Working Families Tax Credit Estimates of Take-up rates". Separate estimates for families entitled to the child care tax credit are not available.All the documents referred to appear on the Inland Revenue website, at www/inlandrevenue.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/menu.htm.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations the Government has made in the last year to the (a) International Civil Aviation Organisation and (b) its other member states regarding the possible removal of the exemption of aviation fuel from taxation. [158954]

At a meeting of ICAO's Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection in February 2004 the UK supported the use of economic instruments like emissions trading or charging to tackle the climate change impact of aviation. When the matter was raised formally at the ICAO 33rd Assembly in Autumn 2001, the overwhelming majority of states spoke out against the introduction of a tax on aviation fuel. The Government remains committed to finding alternative ways of applying the 'polluter pays' principle to civil aviation. Specific proposals were set out in the Future of Air Transport White Paper published on 16 December 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects his Department to (a) commence and (b) complete its review of the security regime tailored for smaller and lighter aircraft and the airports from which they operate. [161978]

We keep our aviation security regime under regular review, consulting with the industry as necessary. Indeed officials are meeting with Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd. and the aircraft operators in Glasgow today. As I said to the hon. Gentleman in my answer to his oral question on 9 March we shall consult the industry fully on proposals for a tailored regime for lighter and smaller aircraft.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answers of 8 March 2004, Official Report, columns 1237–38W, on computerised MOT test, what assessment his Department has made of the effects of succession planning of this project. [161555]

In the event of termination, the contract with SBS provides a variety of options for transfer of key elements of the system to VOSA or a new contractor including, outright purchase, lease, replacement or alternative source. In summary these include:

• access to system hardware and accommodation;
• access to software or other licences and to sub-contracted services;
• transfer of staff.

The approach, in the event, will depend whether the affected elements are used solely for MOT Computerisation or whether as a whole, or in part, they are used to provide other services. It will also depend on the extent to which they are critical to computerisation and cannot be obtained elsewhere. Where an item itself cannot be provided, SBS has to provide replacements or appropriate alternatives.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate how many closed container vehicles and trailers, including curtain-sided ones, (a) operating from the UK travelled to Europe and (b) operating in mainland Europe travelled to the UK in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [160328]

Information is not available in the form requested. The available information is as follows.

Road goods vehicles travelling to mainland Europe: powered goods vehicles (excluding trailers)
Thousand1
	UK registered	Foreign registered
2001	518	1,174
2002	493	1,290
2003	471	1,322
1 Number of one-way vehicle trips.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the amount of carbon that will be produced by cars in each year up to 2010. [161551]

We estimate that in 2000, cars in England emitted 15.44 million tonnes of carbon (MtC). We expect emissions to be between 14.85 and 15.64 MtC in 2010. We do not estimate carbon emissions for each year and do not estimate emissions for the UK as a whole.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of new cycle lanes have been provided using public funds in Crosby since 1997. [160545]

The Department's figures extend back only as far as 1998 and cover the whole of the Sefton metropolitan borough area. Figures are set out in the following table.

Sefton
	Number
1998–99	1
1999–2000	1
2000–01	5
2001–02	5
2002–03(Forecast Outturn)	4
2003–04(Forecast)	15
Total	31

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of new cycle lanes have been provided in Chorley since 1997. [161534]

The Department does not hold this information for Chorley borough council or for the 1997 financial year. The following table lists cycle lanes in kilometres constructed by Lancashire county council for subsequent years.

Number of cycle lanes in Lancashire county council from 1998–99 to 2002–03
	Cycle lanes (Kilometers)
1998–99	0
1999–2000	0
2000–01	30
2001–02	6
2002–03	1

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the latest position on improvements at Lime Street station. [161661]

Network Rail is working with Mersey Travel and Liverpool Vision on plans to develop the station. However, since it took over responsibility for the station on 16 November 2003, Network Rail has made several improvements already, and is looking to make a number of others: these include refurbishment of the toilet facilities, improved security, including plans for a new CCTV system, and improvements to passenger announcement equipment and signage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much Government grant is being allocated to improve (a) Chorley and (b) Adlington railway stations. [161532]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 3 March 2004, Official Report, column 922W, about Chorley. There are currently no grant payments being made for improvements at Adlington station.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what Government grants are available to fund (a) a footbridge and (b) an underpass on railway line crossing Adlington. [161535]

There are no Government grants available to fund a footbridge and an underpass in Adlington. However, Local Transport Plan funding may be appropriate for these proposals. The local transport authority is Lancashire county council who should be approached in the first instance with these proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many motorcyclists were (a) killed and (b) seriously injured where (i) no other vehicle was involved, (ii) the motorcyclist was on a bend in the road when the accident happened and (iii) the motorcyclist was categorised as inexperienced in 2002–03; and if he will make a statement. [159469]

In accidents during 2002 where (i) no other vehicle was involved, 167 motorcyclists were killed and 1,614 were seriously injured, and (ii) in accidents where the motorcyclist was on the bend of a road when the accident happened, 230 motorcyclists were killed and 1,374 were seriously injured.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in how many road traffic accidents drug taking was a contributory factor in the accident in each year since 1997. [159035]

The information is not available as routine accident reports do not currently record contributory factors to accidents. But under a pilot scheme, information on contributory factors to road accidents has been collected by 15 police forces. The influence of drugs was recorded as a contributory factor in about 1 per cent. of injury accidents recorded under this pilot scheme in both 2001 and 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the effect of abolishing the quantity regulation of taxi numbers on (a) the safety of the general public, (b) access to safe and convenient transport for disabled people, (c) the quality of service received by the public, (d) access to convenient transport for people on low incomes and (e) the earning power of taxi drivers. [161363]

The Government have been considering the Office of Fair Trading's report on the UK taxi market and the representations received about it. The Government intend to respond to the OFT report shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received on the installation of grab chains on the buttresses of Thames bridges in central London; what consideration he has given to (a) this and (b) other safety measures; which body is responsible for authorising such provision; and which body is responsible for installation of safety measures on bridges. [161526]

I have not received any recent representations on the matter of grab chains on the buttresses of bridges in central London.However the London Coastguard officers liaise with the relevant local authorities and riparian landowners giving advice on the provision of safety equipment along the Thames.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the outcome was of the Transport Council held in Brussels on 9 March; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [161442]

The transport session of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council met in Brussels on 9 March. I represented the UK.The Council was unable to reach a General Approach on the proposed amendment to Directive 1999/62/EC on the charging of lorries for the use of certain roads (the 'Eurovignette' Directive). The Presidency tabled a compromise package in an attempt to reach agreement. Following some debate, there was a general willingness to accept most aspects of the compromise. However, the Commissioner insisted that compulsory hypothecation of toll revenues be part of the package. While some Ministers supported this, the UK was among a majority of member states which opposed it. The Presidency concluded that the Council would have to return to the subject at a future date.The Commission presented a third rail package, comprising proposals on: liberalisation of international passenger transport; train driver licensing and crew certification; passenger rights for international services; and minimum standards for freight transport. These proposals will now be considered in detail, with a view to agreement at a later Council.The Commission gave a progress report on air transport negotiations with the US, which aim to achieve a Transatlantic Open Aviation Area (OAA). The Presidency invited comments from Ministers, which would provide guidance for the next stage. In the Commission's view, the present US offer was inadequate and balanced in the US's favour. Nevertheless, the Commission believed that it would be appropriate to try to reach a partial agreement by the end of the year, accompanied by a strong commitment by the US to negotiate a further stage. I agreed that the present offer was unbalanced and argued that if it were agreed there would be no incentive for the US to engage in further negotiations. It would also set a bad precedent for the EU's aviation relations with other third countries. A genuine OAA offered enormous opportunities for both EU and US airlines and should be pursued with determination. Most member states agreed that the current offer was not balanced and that the Commission should continue negotiating for a better outcome. The Presidency concluded that COREPER and the Special Committee should monitor developments in the next round of negotiations.The Commission reported further on external relations in aviation. Discussions continued with Romania and Bulgaria on entry into the European Common Aviation Area, and would be extended to the Western Balkans. Contacts with other neighbouring countries were being undertaken. The Commission was talking to Australia, New Zealand and Singapore under its restricted horizontal mandate for negotiations with third countries, and other countries would follow. The Council took note, and referred the issue to COREPER and working groups for consideration.The Commission reported on the agreement reached with the US on cooperation in satellite navigation systems, key elements being compatibility and interoperability between GPS and Galileo. Council Conclusions on Galileo were adopted, welcoming progress, and looking forward to expected decisions by the end of the year on the deployment and operational phases of the project.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will make a statement on the maintenance of the great Westminster clock, popularly known as Big Ben. [161276]

'Big Ben' is actually the nickname of the hour bell rather than the Great Clock itself. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week clockmakers attend the Clock to inspect it and wind it, and to check the time adjustment. Twice a year the fly fans, brakes and the associated bearings are disassembled and inspected. Metallurgists test the mechanical parts annually.In addition, a specialist clockmaker is preparing a plan for clock maintenance over the next three years.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what plans he has to improve the availability of tours of the House by constituents. [161280]

A detailed report on the first year of operations since the introduction of the Central Tours Office and the new sitting hours in January last year is being considered by the Administration Committee this week. The Committee will consider the report and then advise the Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to increase the target of energy generated from renewable sources. [161004]

The Government remain firmly committed to the 10 per cent. target of electricity from renewable sources by 2010 and an aspiration to double this by 2020. We plan to review the Renewables Obligation (which is the main vehicle for achieving our target) during 2005, and to set out the scope of that review later this year. In December I announced that the Renewables Obligation will be extended from 2010 to a level of 15.4 per cent. in 2015–16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent estimates she has made of the change in demand for electricity over the next decade. [161813]

In August 2003 the Department published for consultation new projections to 2010 of electricity generation from different sources. These are available at: www.dti.gov.uk/energy/sepn/projections.pdf.Work to update these projections is continuing and revised projections should be available shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the change in demand for electricity over the past decade was in (a) the North West and (b) the United Kingdom. [161817]

Data for electricity demand in the UK are contained in the long term trends annex to the Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics 2003 (table 5.1.2) available at: www.dti.gov.uk/energy/inform/energy_stats/electricity/index.shtml.Data for the North West region were published for the period 2000–02 only in the December 2003 issue of Energy Trends available at: www.dti.gov.uk/energy/inform/energy_trend s/2003/dec_03.pdf.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the benefits of the EU Social Chapter for the residents of Crosby. [160522]

The residents of Crosby have benefited from the EU Social Chapter by having their employment rights extended to include:

the right to Parental Leave which gives parents the right to 13 weeks unpaid leave at the birth or adoption of a child;

the entitlement of part-time workers to the same pro-rata terms and conditions of employment as full time workers, thereby removing any discrimination and improving the quality of part-time jobs;

the provision that once a prima facie case has been made in an employment tribunal claim, the burden of proof is placed on the defendant (usually the employer), who will need to demonstrate that sex discrimination has not occurred;

rights under the Fixed Term Work Directive that provide equal treatment and prevent abuse of fixed to term contracts;

rights under the European Works Council Directive which requires companies with at least 1,000 employees in total and at least 150 workers in each of the two member states, to establish structures for consulting workers on issues that affect them and;

in addition, the Information and Consultation of Employees Directive to be implemented in the UK by March 2005, establishes a right to new minimum standards for workforce communication and involvement in large firms.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the number of requests for flexible working following the birth of a child that were received in the six months following the April 2003 implementation of the flexible working legislation; and what proportion of these requests were granted. [161460]

The Government have commissioned questions in the monthly Office for National Statistics Omnibus Survey to help make an assessment of the number of flexible working requests in the first year of the new flexible working law coming into effect. The results should be published shortly.Last October the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Lovells published the results of a survey looking at the impact of the new law in its first six months and reported:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to extend the right to request flexible working to carers of elderly and disabled people. [161466]

The right to request flexible working and duty on employers to consider such requests seriously is already wider in scope for parents of disabled children, who can make a request up to their child's 18th birthday. For other parents, the right applies while their children are under six.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the average cost of installing (a) photovoltaic cells and (b) external wall insulation on a house was in the last year for which figures are available; and what public subsidies are available for this work. [160098]

PV average cost based on a three-bed semi detached household system of 2kWp capacity.Depending on the type of system specified, total average costs for a 2kWp system are between £13,000 and £17,000. Under the Major Photovoltaic Demonstration Programme 50 per cent. is available in grant.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had about BNFL liabilities in the USA; and if she will make a statement. [161122]

The Department has had many discussions with BNFL about its'business in the USA. These discussions have broadly been about BNFL seeking routes to significantly reduce its exposure to the US clean-up market. In relation to Westinghouse we have had discussions with BNFL about the steps that need to be taken to enable the business to operate with greater financial independence, so that possibilities for private sector participation are opened up. I have recently spoken to Spencer Abraham, US Energy Secretary, on these issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many residents of Crosby qualify for paid leave entitlements. [160539]

All workers resident in Crosby qualify for paid annual leave entitlements—at least four weeks as set out in the Working Time Regulations. While all women are entitled to 26 weeks ordinary maternity leave, only those who meet the eligibility criteria will be to claim statutory maternity pay for that period.All employees in Crosby who are eligible will be entitled to take statutory paternity leave with pay and statutory adoption leave with pay.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the cost of recruitment of civil servants for the Department was in each financial year since 1996–97, broken down by (a) delegated or contracted out recruitment procedures and (b) recruitment procedures carried out by the Department. [158174]

The Department has information on the total costs of recruiting civil servants, but it is not possible to provide a breakdown as required without occurring disproportionate cost. The figures are as follows:

	£000
1998–99	433
1999–2000	944
2000–01	655
2001–02	229
2002–03	662

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what arrangements she is making to ensure that shredded tyres going to landfill are usable in shredded form for other purposes once they are no longer permitted to be placed in landfill sites. [161782]

There are a range of applications for used tyres in both whole and shredded form, including engineering uses, incorporation into sports and safety surfaces and energy recovery in cement kilns. The number of tyres being put to such use is growing strongly as the industry anticipates the July 2006 ban on their disposal to landfill. There is legislation in place covering the handling and movement of used tyres, as with other wastes, but the Government are currently considering whether this existing framework needs to be strengthened in any way while the adjustment away from landfill disposal takes place. We continue to discuss these issues with the tyre industry and other interested parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether a worker's registration certificate guarantees its holder protection under minimum wage legislation. [156936]

We have announced that individuals from the accession states will be entitled to work in the UK provided they meet certain conditions. These will include registering with the Home Office under its workers' registration scheme, which was announced on 23 February.Most of these individuals will then be entitled to the national minimum wage, although it is possible that some may fall within exemption categories in the minimum wage legislation or instead be covered by the agricultural minimum wage. We will ensure that there is effective enforcement in this area.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the findings of the survey from the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency on the proportion of primary school children who regularly chat over computer software and admit that they have had face-to-face meetings with people they met on-line. [158989]

I have been asked to reply.The evaluation report, "Emerging Trends Amongst Primary School Children's Use of The Internet" was published by the Cyberspace Research Unit (CRU) of the University of Central Lancashire, under contract to the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta). The evaluation was commissioned to evaluate the Internet Proficiency Scheme which was designed to help Key Stage 2 pupils learn how to use the internet and other technologies safely and responsibly.The CRU evaluation found that the number of children aged 8 to 11 years using chatrooms was decreasing. When questioned by researchers in 2002, two in 10 children of a group of 1,331 admitted to using chatrooms on more than one occasion. In 2003, the figure dropped to one in ten, when 330 children were asked the same question. Also in 2002, two out of a group of 100 children admitted to attending face-to-face meetings with people that they had met online. This number increased to three out of a group of 100 children in the same age range in 2003.The evaluation suggests that over 90 per cent. of primary schools did not let their students use internet chat facilities on their premises and that all schools had taken some action to keep children using the internet safe. This included using technology, such as content filtering software, and creating clear written policies that outline how children should use the internet at school.There was also evidence from the evaluation that schools were the most commonly reported sources of internet safety advice and that there had been an increase in the proportion of children that were aware of general internet safety guidelines.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases in the last 12 months for which figures are available magistrates have been unable to issue community sentences as a result of not being in possession of pre-sentencing reports; and what sentencing options are not available where there is no pre-sentencing report. [158635]

Information is not collected centrally on the number of requests for pre-sentence reports made by magistrates which are not met. Non-production of reports does not prevent the court from issuing a community sentence or any other sentence. It is for sentencers to decide if they wish to request a pre-sentence report, if the court is of the opinion that it is unnecessary to obtain a pre-sentence report it need not do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether police forces may have access to the credit reference agency database (a) with and (b) without the knowledge of the individual concerned. [160454]

The principal means by which police forces access the information held by credit reference agencies is through making a request under section 29 of the Data Protection Act 1998. The Act allows data to be accessed without the knowledge of the individuals concerned where this is

"for the purpose of the prevention or detection of crime, the apprehension or prosecution of offenders, or the assessment or collection of any tax or duty or of any imposition of a similar nature"

,and where a failure to disclose this information would be likely to prejudice any of these matters. Use of this power is limited by a number of safeguards, notably that applications are approved by senior officers and the reasons for the application documented. The Information Commissioner also monitors the use by law enforcement of these databases.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish all the responses his Department receives to Reducing Crime-Changing Lives. [147434]

Responses to the "Reducing Crime—Changing Lives" document will be made available to anyone who asks for them. Where respondents have sought confidentiality this will be respected.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 2 March 2004, Official Report, column 899W, on criminal assets, in how many of the 1,219 cases cited an order made was under section 295(2) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2003 to extend the period for which the seized cash was detained. [160195]

An order was made under section 295(2) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 in 1,218 cases, to extend the period for which the seized cash was detained.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 2 March 2004, Official Report, column 899W, on criminal assets (1) what quantity of cash seized during this period was paid into a bank account under the terms of section 296 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2003, broken down by relevant bank and building society; [160196](2) what proportion of cash seized has subsequently been released; [160197]

The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total value of assets recovered by the Assets Recovery Agency is since its establishment. [160067]

Since the agency became operational on 24 February 2003, the total value of assets under its investigation is over £50 million of which over £13.5 million is currently frozen under court orders, pending hearings for recovery orders. In addition, four tax assessments have been issued under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 with a total value of £728,000. Tax receipts with a total value of £2,000 have so far been recovered. The agency has also provided assistance to law enforcement agencies in 19 confiscation order cases in which assets with a total value of £4.4 million have been restrained.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the procedure is for applying for a drugs testing and treatment order; and what the maximum distance is that a person subject to a drugs testing and treatment order is expected to travel in order to comply with such an order. [156871]